PrepWell Podcast with Phil Black

10 years ago, a Computer Science degree was to-die-for. Today, it’s dead. Find out how a degree in Computer Science has fallen out of favor so quickly. Learn how to leverage a degree in Computer Science in today’s oversaturated CS marketplace. Discover how to pick a college major that will withstand the coming waves of AI, automation, and new technology. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy...

In this episode, I address a common issue among teenagers (that sometimes grows into a concern if it's not addressed in a timely fashion). That is, students who claim that they have no idea what they are interested in, no clue what they want to major in, or what field of work they might enjoy. They are lost. I walk through how I talk to teenagers about this issue, why it exists, and how to hel...

In today's podcast (our 300th episode), I reveal something positive that comes out of the recent chaos engulfing college admissions: super-competitive skyrocketing costs DEI going away SAT and ACT back on top political unrest on campuses less trust in college graduates colleges' fiscal mess international student skepticism changing job prospects If you are curious about the ray of light sh...

In today's episode, I break down some of the reasons that college has become so expensive. the "original sin" open the floodgates demand up, supply even government subsidized loans lazy rivers, sushi bars, climbing walls College as the only option If you are aware how expensive college has become, but you're not sure why or how, please give this episode a listen. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

A lot has changed in the last 30-40 years when it comes to higher education. Are our assumptions about the value of a college degree still valid? What has changed? The outlandish cost of a college education The temptation to major in fake subjects The change in job prospects The cratering of quality in college graduates In this episode, I lay bare the truth about what’s happening in today’s colleg...

In this episode, I discuss one of the biggest "ah-ha" moments I've had over the course of the last 10 years of teaching and advising students and families about the college admissions process (including going through the process with 3 of my 4 sons so far). If your child wants to stand out among their peers, they need to accomplish certain things by the end of their sophomore year. T...

In today's episode, I help your child (especially juniors) determine who should write their letters of recommendation. how many letters? from which academic year? from which classes? how do I ask?  when do I ask? are their exceptions?  If your child is a junior in high school, please do not miss out on this episode.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠...

In today's episode, I urge you to carefully consider how much AI might impact your child's major choice, college choice, and career choice -- before they lock into a college admission strategy. AI will turn our world upside down within the next 4-6 years.  How will your child fare graduating from college in this new world?  Will they graduate with an obsolete major? Will they have the skil...

In today's episode, I make the case for intervening sooner rather than later when it comes to academic struggles. For example, if your son/daughter is not quite getting "Chemistry", being proactive is preferred to waiting until the final exam to shore up their understanding. Finding a tutor to help them get over the hump can work wonders, especially in traditionally challenging subje...

In today's episode, I highlight a common question that was asked by one of our PrepWell Academy parents.   Should my daughter take the SAT again? Since this question comes up a lot, I thought it would be beneficial to review the facts of her case and offer some suggestions on how to make an informed decision.  If your child plans to take the SAT or ACT, give this episode a listen?   Follow us:...

In today's episode, especially for families who don't have unlimited money, I urge parents to make an educated guess on how their child will fare  financially  after they graduate from college.  What are their hopes/dreams/aspirations? You don't need an exact answer, but you should try to get in the ballpark.  Has your child dreamed of working for Goldman Sachs their entire life and sh...

In today's episode, I discuss two different personality traits among high school students.  doers dreamers  Find out which one most closely aligns with your child and the pros and cons of each mindset.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give us a review S...

Have you noticed a rising trend in the number of college graduates opting for graduate school? I have. Listen to this week's episode to hear some of the reasons why this trend is taking hold and what to look out for. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give...

In today's episode, I discuss the coming of the AI revolution and how middle school, high school, and college students should prepare for its takeover.   Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing...

In today's episode, I walk through what happened with a private student of mine who decided to use ChatGPT for his supplemental essays.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting i...

In today's episode, I recommend that students interested in "business" should consider majoring in accounting instead.  Accounting is the language of business. Instead of taking puff classes in marketing, finance, and supply chain management, why not take real classes that will be valuable in the real world.  If your child is unsure about their future, and will likely default to &quo...

In today's episode, I review how to approach the most important essay in the college admissions process... "Why Us?" essay Why do you want to attend Brown? Why do you want to attend Tufts? Why do you want to attend Boston University? In my opinion, this supplemental essay question is more important that the main Common Application essay (or personal statement).  Learn why this "...

In today's episode, I test a hypothesis of mine that asks the following question: Since Khan Academy partnered with the College Board (in 2015) to create the most comprehensive, interactive, accessible, and free SAT Tutoring Program, has the national average SAT score gone up, down, or remained the same?  Take this journey with me to see what the answer is and whether your son or daughter are...

In today's episode, I challenge an assumption that more and more students (and their parents) are claiming... "I'm a bad standardized-test-taker" What does this actually mean?  Who decides? How do we define "bad"? If you have a child that may fall into this category, please don't miss this episode.   Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on...

In my opinion, the "Extracurricular Activities List" is one of the most overlooked sections in the Common App.  Students think it's easy, short, and not that big a deal.  Wrong-O! The Extracurricular Activities section is one of the few places to tell your story by highlighting all the things that you've done for the last few years.  If you don't invest in this section, howev...

4 reasons why this year might be the best time ever to apply to the Ivy League. SAT/ACT required again  Applications decreasing ROTC surging Ivies need money If your child is considering the Ivy League, this might be the best time to apply in decades. Learn why there is a window of opportunity that we may never see again.  Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram...

This week, I review all-things-PSAT. What is the PSAT?  Do colleges care about it? When is it offered? What is the PSAT-10? What is the PSAT/NMSQT? What is a good score? Commended, Semifinalist, Finalist? Top 1% in state and more Don't sleep on the PSAT. These days, your child will need every academic weapon and advantage they can get. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll in PrepWell Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fo...

This week, I cover 5 things your college student can do to ensure their success in the real world - even if they graduate with a mediocre GPA. Choose their major wisely Befriend upperclassmen Make every summer count Network Study abroad If your child does these 5 things, they will have maximized their time in college. They will be less reliant on their GPA and more reliant on relationships. Follow...

Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer? This week, I review the most important summer tasks your child should be doing right now. Please don't assume that your child is doing these things. Trust, but verify.  Check-in with them to make sure they have the basics covered. College admissions are getting more competitive every year. Make the most of every summer left.  Follow...

"Youth sports" often dominates adult conversations during the summer. What club is Allison playing for? Who made the All-Star team? Why did Rohan switch clubs? Did you hear that Coach Stu was fired? What about parents whose children are  not athletic ? What are they thinking during these conversations? In this week's episode, I explore the pros and cons of having a non-athletic child...